Irrational use of medicines and medicinal plants against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): An emerging problem

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a viral disease that has affected almost 21 million people worldwide. The lethality and considerable morbidity, high contagion and lack of specific drugs against COVID-19, has generated fear enhancing the habit of self-medication by Brazilian people. Objectives: This review aims to address critical issues related to the irrational use of medicines and medicinal plants against infection caused by the novel coronavirus. Results: The placement of fake news on social media, dissemination of preliminary scientific results in an irresponsible manner and escalation of drug prescriptions without proving efficacy has driven the irrational and indiscriminate use of medicines and medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2. Important increases were observed in the dispensing of drugs without proven clinical efficacy against COVID-19, especially in the case of ivermectin (1,22%), vitamin C (180.01%), hydroxychloroquine (67.93%) and vitamin D (35.56%). Thus, the role of the pharmaceutical professional is essential in health education, promoting the rational use of medicines, and pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: The use of medicines and medicinal plants with limited efficacy and safety indication reached a critical level during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Policies to promote the rational use of medicines, herbal medicines and medicinal plants should be encouraged in order to mitigate the risks inherent in self-medication during this period.